Effect of Host Fruit Species, Size, and Color on Parasitization of Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) by Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

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Abstract
The effect of fruit species on parasitization of Anastrepha ludens (Loew) by Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) was studied. The roles of fermenting fruit volatiles, size, and color in host habitat selection by this parasitoid also were investigated. The lowest percentage parasitism was recorded for larvae in grapefruit, Citrus paradisi Macf. On the other hand, grapefruit volatiles and size proved most attractive to D. longicaudata . Greater percentage parasitism was recorded for larvae in smaller and apparently less attractive fruit. The length of the parasitoid's ovipositor, depth of the fruit pulp, and host larval behavior could explain these contrasting results. Citrus volatiles attracted almost twice as many female parasitoids as volatiles of mango, Mangifera indica L., or peach, Prunus persica L. Fruit >5 cm in diameter were equally attractive to D. longicaudata . Selection of colors by D. longicaudata was not statistically different among colors tested.

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